Former Wasps and England captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes Dai Young is the perfect man to lead the Aviva Premiership side.

The Cardiff Blues boss has been heavily linked with Wasps' vacant director of rugby position and is reportedly keen to secure a release from his contract to enable a switch to Adams Park. It is understood that terms are still to be agreed with his current employers, but Dallaglio, who sits on the Wasps board, has given Young his full backing. "It's a great move for Wasps," Dallaglio told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He's got a lot of experience. He's done very well in Cardiff. Dai Young was an outstanding player for Wales [and] for the Lions. I understand he was very close to getting the job at Leicester [before] they chose Richard Cockerill. They [Wasps] had a disappointing season last year. There's still a lot of very good talent at the club. He was also very close to getting a job at Harlequins. He's obviously got an appetite to coach in a different place."

Despite the links to Wasps, the Blues' chairman Peter Thomas is keen to keep hold of his man. Young has enjoyed nine years with the region with the highlights being leading the Blues to Anglo-Welsh Cup glory in 2010 and a Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009. "Dai knows our position very clearly," Thomas told BBC Sport Wales. "We rate him very highly. He is a massively important part of the Cardiff Blues set-up. He's got our highest respect and regard. There's no way we would want Dai Young to leave the Cardiff Blues."

Wasps endured a torrid season in 2010-11, finishing 9th and failed to qualify for the Heineken Cup. Young will hope to tap into the quality of the players coming through the ranks, including England U20 centre Elliot Daly, and Dallaglio believes there is enough talent at the club to return them to their former glory.

"They had a disappointing season last year," said Dallaglio."I don't think it's any magic wand stuff. It's going to take a bit of time to get them back where he wants them.There's still a lot of very good talent at the club. It's a good appointment and a real challenge for him."